8 Quetzalcoatlus Facts That Might Amaze You

Quetzalcoatlus is considered as the largest flying reptile that ever lived on the earth. This large sized or airplane sized reptile of North America was the largest animal to take the skies. Quetzalcoatlus was a pterosaur and not a dinosaur but it did exist during the dinosaurs period. Let’s know more about this flying reptile (Quetzalcoatlus facts) below.

1) The Wingspan Of This Huge Reptile Exceeded 30 Feet

Source = Extinctanimals

Though the exact figure about its wings is a matter of doubt, It is clear that Quetzalcoatlus possessed the wingspan of more than 30 feet possibly attain the size of the private jet. Comparing with the largest bird alive today i.e Andean Condor has only 10 feet of wingspan and most of the flying reptiles during the Cretaceous period were much smaller.

2) Physical Characteristics Of Quetzalcoatlus

Source = Airtable

Quetzalcoatlus had the long, sharp and pointed beak. Quetzalcoatlus is also noted for toothless jaws and the large brain. It is also speculated that Quetzalcoatlus had good eyesight hypothesis and their body was covered with fur like hairs. (1.1)

3) Quetzalcoatlus Was Named After…

The scientific classification of Quetzalcoatlus comes under Quetzalcoatlus northropi. The Aztec god Quetzalcoatl translates as ‘feathered serpent'. The name northropi praises designers, and aircraft industrialist and the owner of Northrop Corporation ‘John Knudsen Northrop’ who was fond of huge wing aircraft designs that resemble with the Quetzalcoatlus. (1.2)

4) Quetzalcoatlus Was Better Glider Than The Flier

Source = Dinosaurpictures

Quetzalcoatlus was unable to flap his wings continuously while in flight. They usually preferred to glide in the air at 10,000 to 15,000feet and speeds as 70-80 miles per hour. Quetzalcoatlus occasionally uses its wings to make turns against the air currents. Quetzalcoatlus remained on the ground and used its wings only for support.

5) Quetzalcoatlus Diet

Source = Dinosaurpictures

The amazing Quetzalcoatlus fact is that the actual of these flying reptiles is still a mystery. But some scientists believed they were just like vultures and swoop down to eat the carcass. Their narrow beak suggested that they consume marine reptiles. Some believed the consumed the corpse of deceased titanosaurs.

6) When Did The Quetzalcoatlus Went Extinct?

Source = Cloudinary

It went extinct 65 million years ago or at the end of Cretaceous period capitulating to the same environmental pressures as dinosaurs died.

7) How Much Quetzalcoatlus Weigh?

Source = Nocookie

The exact figure about the Quetzalcoatlus Quetzalcoatlus is a topic of disagreement. Earlier it was estimated that these flying reptiles weighed 250-300pounds but recent studies suggest that they may have weighed equals to the quarter of a ton.

8) Where Did The Quetzalcoatlus Live?

Source = Dinosaurpictures

The first skeleton of Quetzalcoatlus was found in Big Bend National Park in Texas, US, but similar fossils were noticed in Jordan, Russia, Alberta and in Africa. (1.3)

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